RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK — The jobs market may be stabilizing, according to data from WRAL TechWire and the NC Technology Association (NC TECH). But many in the Triangle—especially new residents—are still struggling, says a local nonprofit leader.
Job openings in the Triangle increased for the fourth week in a row, according to the most recent edition of the WRAL TechWire Jobs Report, and NC TECH’s monthly snapshot of IT-related jobs in the state showed “stabilization,” according to Andrea Fleming, Director of Talent and Workforce Development at NC TECH.
“Considering the persistent concerns surrounding inflation and economic uncertainty, as well as continued layoff activity, this leveling can be viewed as a positive development,” said Fleming.
August 2023 Chart | The NC Technology Association (NC TECH)
But according to Donna Pygott, Executive Director of North Raleigh Ministries, employment is still a concern for many in the Triangle.
“As national rankings position our area as booming, we are increasingly seeing news of layoffs and downsizing at locally based companies, creating mixed economic messaging for many choosing to relocate here,” said Pygott.
Startup job postings are down in the Triangle—but this Wilmington startup is hiring
New residents at ‘higher risk’
Pygott told TechWire that people are moving to the Triangle for opportunities—but that being new to the area can pose risks.
“New residents in Raleigh are particularly at higher risk of financial crisis as many lack family and social support, formal support, and sufficient income needed to survive in our growing city,” said Pygott. “In addition, community resources once available are now strained and critically lacking for those experiencing a financial crisis.”
Donna Pygott, executive director of North Raleigh Ministries
Compared to pre-COVID numbers, North Raleigh Ministries has seen a 470% increase in families receiving services, says Pygott. Specifically this year, the North Raleigh Ministries’ food pantry program has seen a 34.2% increase in need, serving 6,629 individuals from January through August 2023, compared to 4,940 during the same period in 2022.
North Raleigh Ministries works 1:1 with people to create a path to long-term employment, says Pygott. The organization currently has a partnership with NCWorks to help job seekers connect with opportunities.
The exclusive WRAL TechWire Jobs Report aggregates data from 20 location-based job board searches. This week, the report shows a total of 233,511 active listings (not accounting for post duplications), a 0.9% increase from last week.
Here’s a closer look at the trend:
Hey, job seekers—these companies are ramping up hiring in the Triangle
OTHER RESOURCES TO FIND TRIANGLE JOB POSTINGS
Below, we’ve gathered the latest upcoming job fairs, student-centric resources, and a list of Twitter accounts that track local job openings. If you’re a student looking for an internship or entry-level position at a local company or organization, your university has resources to help you get started. Quick links below:
- Duke University: Career Hub
- Durham Technical Community College: College Central Network
- NC Central University: Career and Professional Development Center
- NC State University: Centennial Campus Job Board, Career Development Center and Jobs at NCSU
- UNC Chapel Hill: University Career Services and Careers at Carolina
- Wake Technical Community College: College Central Network and Career and Employment Resources
For Johnston County job seekers: The recently launched JoCo Careers website helps job seekers find companies hiring in Johnston County. (More TechWire coverage here.)
LOOK FOR TRIANGLE JOB POSTINGS ON THESE TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Here are some locally run Twitter accounts that regularly share job openings in the Triangle:
